An insider's guide to Svalbard

Cecilia Blomdahl, a renowned influencer, experiences a magical life in Norway. For her millions of social media followers, this remote Arctic wilderness, adorned with breathtaking glaciers, feels like a distant realm. Most visitors gravitate towards Longyearbyen, affectionately referred to as 'the village' by locals, which holds the title of the world's northernmost city.

Hailing from Sweden, Cecilia came to Svalbard with plans to stay just three months to immerse herself in its distinctive lifestyle. Almost nine years later, she resides in a cabin near Longyearbyen with her boyfriend, Christoffer, and their dog, Grim. Currently, they are enjoying the Polar Day or Midnight Sun season—from mid-April to late August—when daylight graces the island for 24 hours, contrasting with the Polar Night from late October to January, marked by constant darkness.

Deepa Lakshmin, Social Media Director at Dinogo Planet, seeks Cecilia's insider tips for maximizing a trip to Svalbard. If you're ready to embrace Svalbard's extreme climate and embark on thrilling adventures, keep reading for Cecilia's essential insights for an unforgettable experience.

Deepa: What are the advantages and disadvantages of visiting during Polar Day versus Polar Night?

Cecilia: For first-time visitors, I recommend summer due to its milder temperatures. This allows you to explore the fjords by boat, making it easy to cover vast distances and spot wildlife. If you crave adventure, consider coming in sunny winter (March to May) when it's extremely cold. You can embark on long snowmobile journeys through untouched landscapes for a raw, authentic experience.

Winter brings a unique light and atmosphere that truly showcases our Arctic environment. If you, like me, enjoy darkness, experiencing Polar Night is a must to understand living in continuous shadow. However, keep in mind that visibility is limited during this time, making it less ideal for observing nature and wildlife.

During Polar Night, you'll find a wonderfully cozy city where people sip coffee all day and relax. While the Northern Lights are present, they also grace the skies in February and March, after Polar Night has ended.

Deepa: You refer to Polar Day as 'zombie season' due to its exhausting nature. What tips do you have for travelers facing this?

Cecilia: Visiting in summer means you'll be brimming with energy, making it an ideal time to accomplish a lot and explore. Daylight never seems to end; you wake up to sunshine and go to bed with the sun still shining, providing endless hours for adventure!

I call it 'zombie season' because, surprisingly, constant exposure to sunlight can be draining on your body. Despite feeling energized, there are moments when all you want is to rest. When you visit, don’t forget to bring a sleeping mask to fully enjoy this incredible experience.

Picture yourself standing in the dark of night while the sun shines brightly above. It feels surreal. At the start of the season, I always look forward to that first moment when day and night intertwine. If you're only here for a week, make the most of it by seeing and doing everything possible.

Deepa: What does your perfect day of Midnight Sun look like with Grim?

Cecilia: I'm collaborating with Peet's Coffee to unveil their new Bright Collection, and as part of this launch, they've invited a lucky traveler to join me in Svalbard this August to experience the Midnight Sun and enjoy coffee together.

I've crafted the perfect travel day for the winner. First, we'll visit a walrus colony just across the fjord from our home. Surrounded by breathtaking glaciers, we'll be so close that we can hear their thunderous sounds, and then, out of nowhere, we'll encounter an entire colony of walruses.

Afterward, we’ll return to the village for a stroll with Grim, stopping to check out the polar bear sign, which is quite fascinating. Since we have polar bears around, it’s important to be cautious outside the village. Inside, these iconic warning signs remind everyone of the potential danger. In the evening, we’ll dine at a charming restaurant in the historic area of Sverdrupbyen.

The day will begin with stunning landscapes, followed by the vibrant atmosphere, and wrapped up with rich history. It’s a perfect day in Svalbard.

Deepa: What is the minimum amount of time a traveler should spend in Svalbard to fully appreciate it?

Cecilia: Ideally, around five days. It really depends on your arrival time. Weather can be tricky, but during summer, they have covered boats that allow you to venture out in almost any conditions. Weather is a key factor here, as it can change rapidly and disrupt plans.

Tip number one: make sure to plan ahead, as things tend to get booked up quickly. Resources here are limited, so if you want to experience something specific, it’s wise to schedule it in advance. In summer, the fjords are a must-visit. Being out on the water is incredible—you might spot whales, a polar bear, or my personal favorites, the walruses, along with stunning glaciers. The view of a glacier is my greatest passion in Svalbard; it’s truly peaceful.

Deepa: If someone is visiting Svalbard with the hope of spotting a polar bear, what should they be aware of?

Cecilia: First off, try not to expect it. Honestly, I haven’t seen a polar bear in nearly two years, and I live here, exploring regularly. While we all want to see them, not encountering them is actually a positive sign—it means we’re not intruding on their space. Coexisting peacefully is essential, and your best opportunity in summer is to take a fjord trip, which allows you to cover a lot of ground. Focus on experiencing all the beautiful aspects of Svalbard, not just the polar bears.

Deepa: What advice do you have for visitors to be responsible and ethical travelers?

Cecilia: I appreciate this question! We have some fundamental guidelines. One key rule is that picking flowers is not allowed—everything growing on the tundra is protected. They’re stunning, but it’s crucial to leave them untouched, as this ecosystem is very delicate.

It's essential to respect nature overall. Wildlife is everywhere, and I often hear people asking if they can pet the reindeer. The answer is no. Enjoy taking pictures, but remember to take nothing else with you—just the memories!

Cecilia’s quick recommendations.

Getting to/from the airport: It's the shortest distance imaginable. There’s an airport bus that takes you right into the heart of town.

Skip the rental car: Longyearbyen is very walkable; consider booking a taxi or a guided tour to venture out into the wilderness.

Most accommodations are clustered together. Consider staying at the budget-friendly Gjestehuset 102, where the staff are incredibly friendly, or opt for the more upscale Funken Lodge, known for their fantastic lunch steak sandwich.

On the topic of dining... Enjoy lunch at Stationen and dinner at Kroa, which features an authentic trapper-style atmosphere. While many come for the pizza, their menu offers a bit of everything. For a fine dining experience, check out Gruvelageret.

Make sure to book everything as early as you can. Essential experiences include a snowmobile trip in winter, especially along the east coast. It's a lengthy journey—several hours one way—but absolutely worth it. Don't miss out on a summer fjord safari either.

Bring wool clothing. It’s your best ally, no matter the season. Layer up and opt for boots that are 1-2 sizes larger. Many believe it's the socks that keep you warm, but it's actually the warm air that forms with the socks. Wearing too many socks can make your boots cold if there's no space for air. But with room for air to circulate and warm up, you'll be much cozier. Don’t let cold feet cut your Svalbard adventure short!

This interview has been shortened and edited for clarity. Follow Cecilia on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to catch more of her and Grim’s escapades in Svalbard.